RAHEEM STERLING will become the second youngest player to start for England since the war, as one of three debutants coach Roy Hodgson will blood in tonight’s friendly against Sweden.

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, who is 18 on December 8, will step into the England spotlight []

Liverpool winger Sterling, who is 18 on December 8, will step into the spotlight alongside Everton’s Leon Osman and Tottenham defender Steven Caulker as the trio make their senior international bows when England officially open the 50,000-capacity Friends Arena.

England captain Steven Gerrard will join an elite group of players by winning his 100th cap, but at the other end of the spectrum Sterling will be given the chance to show just why he is regarded as one of the country’s most exciting prospects.

Wayne Rooney is the youngest player to start an international for England since the war and Sterling will become the nation’s fifth youngest player.

“In the Liverpool games I have seen, he has made a significant contribution,” said Hodgson.

In the Liverpool games I have seen, he has made a significant contribution

England boss Roy Hodgson

“In
some he has been pretty much a star. If he can do it on a regular basis
for them in the Premier League, I have every right to think he can do
it playing for England as well. As Under-21s, Raheem and Steven Caulker
have made the expected transition into the national team.

“Leon
Osman is a bit different because he has been performing regularly and
well for Everton but has been passed over, so it was about time I gave
him a chance.

“I was told he is 31, which surprises me. I thought he plays like a much younger man.”

Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Carl Jenkinson of Arsenal may also get their debut chance.